Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola offers insight into Graziano Di Prima's future after BBC axing

Vito Coppola has publicly shown his support for Graziano Di Prima following his dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing. The two were seen together, with Coppola sharing a heartfelt message on social media.

Stirctly star Vito Coppola, has publicly expressed his unwavering support for his former colleague, Graziano Di Prima, following Di Prima's dismissal from the show. Earlier this evening, the two were seen enjoying a coffee together, with Coppola sharing a heartfelt message on social media: "Amico mio ti voglio bene," which translates to "My friend, I love you."

The photo, posted on Di Prima's Instagram originally, had a lengthy caption from Di Prima himself. About his co-star, Di Prima penned: "How wonderful it was to hug you again, my friend! Our friendship is stronger than anything, remember you're a special person, with a big heart!! Love you and wish you all the best in everything you do."

Di Prima was dismissed from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year after he admitted that he to kicked his 2023 celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals. Di Prima expressed regret over the incident, attributing his actions to his intense passion and determination to win.

Despite the controversy, Coppola has maintained a strong friendship with Di Prima, emphasizing that their bond remains unshaken. This public display of support highlights the close relationship between the two dancers, who have known each other for years and share a common language and cultural background.

Di Prima enjoyed a glittering career on the BBC's long-running dance competition - featuring on the line-up from 2018. But earlier this year, the sparkle was washed off to uncover an abusive underside - as Graziano was forced to admit he had kicked his 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott while they were working together on Strictly in 2023 and he then dropped out of the show in shame.

Now over four months after his exit, Graziano has teased that time of his return to the spotlight is near - and he is raring to get back on the stage. Taking to social media on Tuesday, the star shared a moody video of himself walking around a brightly lit bridge at night time. Strutting along the wooden boards, he was joined by his wife, Giada Lini - who herself is a professional dancer and a star of the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars.

In a defiant message alongside the footage, Graziano wrote: "Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing."

During his tenure on Strictly, Di Prima partnered with celebrities including Vick Hope, Judi Love, Kym Marsh, and Zara . In 2019, he set a Guinness World Record by performing 90 Botafogo steps in 30 seconds on "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two."

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